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Fourth Estate has signed The Half of It by authors Emma Slade Edmondson and Nicole Ocran, inspired by their podcast Mixed Up about being mixed race.
Senior publishing executive Nicola Webb negotiated world rights with The Fifth Talent Agency. Publication is scheduled for summer 2022.
The synopsis states: “Threading in their own experiences of growing up with mixed-identities, Emma and Nicole will also interweave interviews and insight from their podcast guests, exploring everything from race dynamics and culture, interracial relationships, adoption, beauty standards and the historical context of the mixed experience. In a world where politics is becoming ever more polarised, leaving no room for the light and shade, The Half of It could not be more important - opening up the space and creating a community to discuss the ever complex, emotional and intricate issue that is identity.”
Ocran said: “I don’t think I can fully convey how overjoyed I am to be joining the 4th Estate family among so many authors I’ve admired my entire life. I’m honoured to be given the opportunity to write a book I’d wished I’d had when I was a young child with one of my closest friends and confidants. I can only hope this is a balm for any reader of mixed heritage who can sometimes feel like they have to choose sides rather than show up as their full selves.”
Edmondson added: “I am thrilled to find a home for our book with the 4th Estate family, who have championed creative talent that I am frankly humbled for our work to sit alongside. I hope that this book can be an extension of the podcast we have lovingly created with building community at the forefront of our minds. My hope is that it will begin to break down barriers in some small way to foster a deeper understanding and a richer dialogue of different lived experiences.”
Webb commented: “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be publishing this book and working with Emma and Nicole. As someone who is mixed-raced themself, this is a very personal topic for me, and I wish there had been books like this – and role models like Nicole and Emma - when I was growing up. My hope is to arm people with more knowledge and understanding of this subject and create a safe space for discussion.”